what is turf tow

Turf toe is a sprain of the main joint in the big toe, specifically the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. It occurs when the joint is hyperextended, usually by forcibly bending the toe upward beyond its normal range, such as when pushing off into a sprint while the toe remains flat on the ground. This injury affects the ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues around the big toe joint and is common in athletes playing on artificial turf or hard surfaces. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited motion in the toe, with severity ranging from mild stretching to complete tearing of the ligaments. Treatment involves rest, ice, elevation, pain relief, and sometimes physical therapy or surgery for severe cases.